The threat for locally damaging winds and flash flooding will shift east and northeast through Thursday.

High winds from these storms can bring down trees and powerlines, causing power outages and possibly damage to structures.

In addition to the winds, these thunderstorms can drop quite a bit of rain in a short period of time. Runoff can cause water levels on creeks and streams to rise rapidly. The rising water can quickly flood roads.

Flooding can also occur in low-lying and poor drainage areas.

Drivers that encounter high water on the roadway are advised not to drive through it and instead turn around and find an alternate route. As little as 2 feet of water can lift a vehicle and sweep it downstream.

Cities such as Cincinnati, Ohio, Nashville and Memphis in Tennessee, Little Rock, Ark., and Houston, Texas., are in the threat area.

The rain and storms will put a damper on Halloween activities and trick-or-treating. In anticipation of the severe weather, some communities in Tennessee have postponed trick-or-treat until Friday.